Support Non-Discrimination in Arizona

by Mario Osorio (he/him)

Join us in supporting non-discrimination and fairness across Arizona.

As part of our covenant call to “strive for justice, and respect the dignity of every human being”, there are two proposals of note in the Arizona state 2024 legislature session, making worthy updates to statewide non-discrimination laws. The changes proposed in House Bill 2625 as well as 2736 stand for the fair and equal treatment of everyone, including people who live or believe differently than us.

UPDATE: Both of these bills have made it past their respective floor readings, and are now on various committee agendas. HB2736 has been assigned to the Health & Human Services and Rules committees.  HB 2625 is assigned to the Commerce, Judiciary, and Rules committees.

If you would like to write to Governor Hobbs on this issue, CLICK HERE. We have provided an email template that you can copy and paste HERE

HB2625: The Statewide Nondiscrimination Act

• Sponsored by Representative Oscar De Los Santos (D – District 11) with the ACLU of Arizona

SUMMARY – 

The bill amends the Arizona Revised Statutes to include sexual orientation and gender identity as protected classes against discrimination, alongside race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, or disability. It defines “gender identity” and requires public educational institutions and places of public accommodation to allow access to facilities based on an individual’s gender identity. Single-occupancy facilities must be gender-neutral, and new or renovated public restrooms must be designated as gender-neutral.

The bill also prohibits discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity in real estate transactions and programs that receive state funds. It mandates the attorney general’s office to adopt regulations to enforce these provisions and introduces the “Equality And Fairness For All Arizonans Act” to encapsulate the legislation’s intent to promote equal treatment and prevent discrimination.

HB2736: The Equality and Fairness for All Arizonans Act

• Sponsored by Representative Amish Shah (D – District 5) with the ONE Community
• 2^nd Iteration, Original 2022

SUMMARY – 

The “Equality and Fairness for All Arizonans Act” proposes amendments to the Arizona Revised Statutes to enhance civil rights protections. It introduces a ban on conversion therapy for minors by health providers while exempting clergy, religious counselors, and parents or grandparents not acting as health providers. The bill expands anti-discrimination laws to include sexual orientation and gender identity, affecting public accommodations, employment, and housing. It lowers the employee threshold for discrimination claims from fifteen to five and asserts state precedence over local regulations in these matters.

Additionally, the bill makes it unlawful to discriminate in employment practices, including job advertisements and training, based on sexual orientation and gender identity. It maintains that sex can be a bona fide occupational qualification but must consider an individual’s gender identity. The bill allows local governments with existing stricter employer definitions to continue enforcing their rules. It also updates legal terminology and definitions related to gender identity and other relevant terms.

You can review the following bills and their proposed language changes on the Arizona State Legislature website here:

HB2625: The Statewide Nondiscrimination Act

HB2736: The Equality and Fairness for all Arizonans Act

We would encourage you to sign a Letter of Support, or write your House Representative today.